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HF 4995

Off-highway vehicle safety and conservation program and uses of off-highway vehicle accounts modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Bliss

HF 4995 broadens OHV funds to boost safety, trail development, enforcement, education, and conservation partnerships, aligned with a statewide outdoor recreation plan.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4995

Bill Summary – HF 4995 (2025-2026, Minnesota)

Overview

  • Bill: HF 4995
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Title: Off-highway vehicle safety and conservation program and uses of off-highway vehicle accounts modified
  • Author: Rep. Bliss (Co-sponsor: Matt Bliss)
  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy (as of 04/16/2026)

Purpose and Intent

The bill modifies the authorized uses and administration of funds in the state off-highway vehicle (OHV) accounts (motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, etc.) to emphasize safety, conservation, trail development, local enforcement, and education. It aligns spending authority with a statewide outdoor recreation planning framework and expands or clarifies the roles of state agencies and OHV organizations in promoting safe operation and environmental stewardship.

Key Provisions

Section 1 – OHV Motorcycle Account (Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.794, subdivision 2)

  • Reiterates purposes for funds, pending appropriation:
    • (1) Administration, enforcement, and implementation of OHV-related statutes (sections 84.787–84.795).
    • (2) Acquisition, maintenance, and development of OHV motorcycle trails and use areas.
    • (3) Grants-in-aid to counties and municipalities for OHV motorcycle trails and use areas.
    • (4) Grants for enforcement and public education to local law enforcement.
    • (5) Grants to OHV motorcycle organizations under section 84.9011, subdivision 2.
  • Requires distribution of grant funds to be guided by the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.

Section 2 – Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Account (Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.803, subdivision 2)

  • Reiterates purposes for funds, pending appropriation:
    • (1) Administration, enforcement, and implementation of ORV-related statutes (sections 84.773–84.8045).
    • (2) Acquisition, maintenance, and development of ORV trails and use areas.
    • (3) Grant-in-aid programs to counties and municipalities for ORV trails and use areas.
    • (4) Grants to local safety programs.
    • (5) Enforcement and public education grants to local law enforcement.
    • (6) Grants to ORV organizations under section 84.9011, subdivision 2.

Section 3 – OHV Organizations Grants (Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.9011, subdivision 2)

  • The commissioner may enter into agreements with OHV organizations to provide grants for volunteer services to promote safe and responsible OHV operation on state forest land and other public lands, ensuring environmental protection.
  • Organizations may assist the department in locating, recruiting, and training instructors for OHV training programs.
  • The commissioner may provide assistance to enhance volunteer safety and program administration.
  • The commissioner shall establish standards, train, and certify organizations and individuals participating as volunteers. Training must cover:
    • (1) Identification of invasive species.
    • (2) Reporting locations of invasive species.
    • (3) Basic GPS operation.
  • Grants under this section may be distributed to organizations using a commissioner-determined formula, with payments potentially based on volunteer hours.

Section 4 – All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Account (Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.927, subdivision 2)

  • Purposes for funds, pending appropriation:
    • (1) Education and training program under section 84.925.
    • (2) Administration, enforcement, and implementation of ATV-related statutes (sections 84.773–84.928).
    • (3) Acquisition, maintenance, and development of ATV trails and use areas.
    • (4) Grant-in-aid programs to counties and municipalities for ATV trails and use areas.
    • (5) Grants to local safety programs.
    • (6) Enforcement and public education grants to local law enforcement.
    • (7) Maintenance of minimum-maintenance forest roads designated under specific sections, and county forest roads that are part of state-designated trail systems within state forest boundaries.
    • (8) Grants to ATV organizations under section 84.9011, subdivision 2.
  • Grants-in-aid distribution must be guided by the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State agencies:
    • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and related agencies administering OHV programs.
    • Local law enforcement agencies receiving enforcement and education grants.
  • Local governments:
    • Counties and municipalities eligible for grants to construct or maintain OHV/ATV trails and use areas.
  • NGO/Volunteer organizations:
    • OHV organizations eligible for grants and partnerships to operate safety/conservation programs and provide training.
  • OHV users:
    • Potential safety enhancements through training, education programs, and improved trail networks.
  • Conservation outcomes:
    • Emphasis on invasive species awareness and reporting, as well as environmental stewardship tied to OHV use.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Budgetary: All fund uses are expressly “subject to appropriation by the legislature,” maintaining flexibility to fund programs as part of the annual state budget.
  • Planning framework: Grant distributions to be guided by the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.
  • Training and certification: The bill requires standardized training and certification for volunteers and organizations participating in the safety and conservation program, including environmental and GPS components.
  • Implementation: The bill authorizes agreements and grants with OHV organizations to support program operations, training, and trail work, with potential performance-based payment structures (e.g., payments based on volunteer hours).

Summary

HF 4995 updates the governance and funding framework for Minnesota’s OHV safety and conservation programs. It clarifies and expands eligible uses of the OHV accounts (motorcycle, ORV, and ATV), emphasizes local enforcement and public education, and strengthens partnerships with OHV organizations for safety training, conservation, and invasive species management. All funding decisions remain subject to legislative appropriation and alignment with the statewide outdoor recreation plan.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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